We had the good fortune of connecting with Amanda Jackson and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Amanda, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
I am great at putting a lot on my plate. I feel the more you put on your plate the more knowledge you can or the more you grown and learn new things. It can become very overwhelming, but eventually worth it at the end. My balance has tremendously changed and it has become for challenging. It’s like survive and thrive! I I work a a full time job, while getting my second degree in Nursing, and running a business. Also while trying to have some type of life. It’s difficult but I know it will be rewarding at the end. I think of balance as being organized and prioritizing. I am a believe in the app “Reminders” on my phone. That gets me through each and every day. I try to plan ahead or set things that is major first and get that knocked out.
Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
TaylorMade Candles is a luxury candle company looking to make people relax, refresh, and reconnect through our unique aromas. TaylorMade was established in 2019 and our goal was to handcraft a paraben free, organic soy candles. We strive to create unique scents that are not your typical store candles. Starting a candles business was not easy. It takes a lot of testing and figuring out what works best for your customers. I am still learning each and every day, through books and watching many candle making videos. I am truly proud of how far my business has grown, during a pandemic and having other responsibilities. That was really my challenge trying to manage it all. I was set on making sure I put my all into TaylorMade Candles, and wanting to deliver candles that people loved. Creating something handmade takes time and it might not always be perfect, but you have to keep going regardless. I started this business right after I got out of college and I found myself always buying so many candles at different stores. So I thought “how can I make a candle of my own”? I bought a starter kit on amazon and I was like this has to be simple. I can say it definitely was not! I did my research and gained more knowledge on how candle making was done. I was using my family and friends as my testers. Once I perfected my first candle I just fell in love. It became a passion , something that enjoyed doing. I’ve learned that this is a continuous learning process for me and you have to have patience.
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
We will definitely be eating at bar taco, marietta fish market, and beetle cat. Those are some of my favorite places to eat and drink. You can never go wrong with seafood, tacos, and tequila. I like museums like the high museum. If sneakercon was going on that week. We would definitely go there and would go wine tasting at the Bailey Wine Cellar. We also go to Stone Mountain and climb the mountain while we work off the tacos and seafood.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My family and best friends have honestly been my biggest support system. The moment I told them they were ready to help. I would say it’s not easy running a business and they have played a huge role in my business. All I can say is that it really takes a village. They are a jack of all trades! They are my managers, PR, testers, sellers, accountants, mentors, buyers, supporters, and much more. I am truly thankful for them each and every day! Family is not defined only by last names or by blood; it’s defined by commitment and by love.
Website: https://www.taylormadecandles.com
Instagram: _taylormadecandles
Youtube: https://youtu.be/ORygPGg6Szw
Image Credits
Instagram: chris_triplett